Canada Study Permit Extension in 2024

Sometimes, for one reason or another, your study permit can expire before your studies are over. Without a valid study permit, international students aren’t legally allowed to stay in Canada which means you’d have to go back to your country without completing your studies. In this case, what should you do?

Well, fortunately, you can apply for a Study Permit Extension. Not sure how? We’re here to guide you through the whole process on how you can apply for a Canada Study Permit Extension, processing times, fees, and more. Let’s get right into it!

When to Apply For a Study Permit Extension?

If your study permit is going to expire, you need to apply for a Canada Study Visa Extension at least 60 days before your current permit expires. The IRCC can take up to 60 days to approve your extension, so you need to ensure you can continue your studies without breaking any Canadian laws. 

How to Apply For a Study Permit Extension?

You can either apply for a Study Permit Extension on your own through the IRCC’s website or get help from a immigration service provider in Canada to do it for you. If you’re doing it on your own, here are the steps to follow:

• Log into your IRCC Account: If you don’t already have one, create your IRCC account on the official website and proceed.
• Complete the Student Visa Extension Application: Fill out the application form and upload all the required documents.
• Pay the Fees: It costs CAD 150 for the study permit extension in 2024.
• Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed steps 1 to 3, submit your application online.

Required Documents

When applying for a visa extension in Canada, here are the general list of documents you’ll need:

• Proof of Enrollment: A letter from your educational institution confirming your enrollment and the duration of your program.
• Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your extended stay. This can include bank statements, a letter from a sponsor, or proof of a scholarship.
• Passport: A copy of your passport, including the page with your personal details and any pages with stamps or visas.
• Current Study Permit: A copy of your current study permit.

Processing Time

The processing time for a study permit extension generally takes around 55 days but you can check the exact time through IRCC’s official website. It’s important to apply early to ensure you receive your extension before your current permit expires.

FAQs

1. What If Your Permit Expires Before You Apply For An Extension?

In case your study permit expires before you apply for an extension, you have a 90-day grace period to restore your status as an international student. During this time, you cannot study or work until your status is restored. If you fail to apply within this period, you will have to leave Canada.

2. How long can Canada Study Permit holders Work?

International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. While the Canadian Government did allow students to work more than 20 hours per week in early 2024, this policy expired on April 30, 2024.

3. How much does a Canadian Study Visa Extension cost?

It costs CAD $150 to apply for a study permit extension (subject to change) in Canada. Additionally, there can be a biometrics fee of CAD 85 for the collection of fingerprints and a photo.

4. What Comes in Study Permit Extension Proof of Funds?

When applying for a Study Permit Extension, you have to prove that you have enough money to support you and your family’s stay in Canada throughout your studies. Here’s what you can include to prove your financial capability:

• Proof of a bank account with enough funds in a Canadian bank in your name if you’ve already transferred money to Canada.
• A GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
• Proof of an education loan from a trusted bank.
• Bank statements from the past 4 months.
• Proof that you have paid college/university tuition and accommodation fees.
• A letter from the person (sponsor) or school giving you money.
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you came to Canada on a full or partial scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.